Heavy Rains, Flooding, and Transport Disruptions Expected This Weekend
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Central Israel is anticipating heavy rains and potential flooding this weekend, with significant disruptions expected for transportation. Ayalon Highway will see closures for infrastructure work, and train services in Tel Aviv and Herzliya will be altered. Authorities are urging the public to prepare for these conditions and monitor updates.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Heavy rains and potential flooding are forecast for central Israel this weekend.
- Ayalon Highway will be closed in sections for infrastructure work from Thursday night to Sunday morning.
- Train services in Tel Aviv and Herzliya will be temporarily modified with shuttle buses provided.
- Rainfall could exceed 100 mm in some areas, with the storm peaking on Saturday morning.
- Drivers and travelers are advised to plan ahead and monitor updates.
Large areas of central Israel are bracing for unstable weather conditions over the weekend, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding in coastal cities. This is expected to coincide with closures on sections of Ayalon Highway and changes to train services in the Tel Aviv and Herzliya areas.
The Meteorological Service has warned of potential widespread flooding, particularly in the greater Tel Aviv area and southward towards Ashkelon, where rainfall could exceed 100 mm in some locations. The heaviest rain is anticipated on Saturday morning. The rainy system is expected to begin affecting northern, central, and northern Negev regions on Friday, with a possibility of flash floods in the central Negev and Arava Valley. The peak of the storm is forecast for Saturday morning, with significant rainfall over a short period along the coast, increasing flood risks and causing traffic disruptions.
In parallel with the weather, sections of Ayalon Highway (Route 20) will be closed in both directions for infrastructure work, including the replacement of electrical cables. The first phase of closures is scheduled from Thursday night at 11:30 PM until Friday at 4:00 PM. The second phase will begin Saturday night at 11:00 PM and conclude Sunday at 5:00 AM. During these closures, traffic will be diverted to alternative routes, including Routes 2, 4, and 5.
Train services in the Tel Aviv and Herzliya areas will also experience temporary modifications due to electrical work and railway development projects. Some lines will operate partially, while others will not reach certain stations, including Tel Aviv University and Herzliya. The train company will provide free shuttle buses for passengers during these changes. Normal train operations are expected to resume by Sunday morning at 4:00 AM.
Authorities are warning of potential weather hazards and transportation network disruptions throughout the weekend, especially in coastal areas expected to receive substantial rainfall. Drivers and travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, taking into account the closures and service changes, and to monitor weather and traffic updates.
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